Narrative exposure therapy for PTSD

Abstract

Narrative exposure therapy (NET) is a trauma-focused psychotherapy that shares many commonalities with other evidence-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder. Like other trauma-focused procedures, its aim is to change the structure of trauma-related memories, cognitions, and emotions related to the traumatic events. NET consists of five components: diagnosis, psychoeducation, lifeline exercise, the narration, and a closing session. This chapter describes and illustrates each component with clinical material. NET has its place in undersupplied mental health structures in low- and middle-income countries as well as in well-developed mental health systems in high-income countries. It is emerging as the treatment of choice for traumatized refugees and may have a place for victims of other chronic forms of abuse, such as child maltreatment. With a clear human-rights focus, the approach can play an important role in the fight against individual symptoms and the causes of trauma related to abuse, persecution, and atrocities.